The Blue School's crowdfunding campaign for a new outdoor shelter has successfully reached its £40,000 funding goal, thanks to the overwhelming support from the community, current families, alumni, and local residents.

Facing a severe space crunch due to structural issues in the Kennion Building, which rendered 20 classrooms and other spaces unusable, the school found itself in dire need of additional facilities.

The outdoor shelter, initially a valuable addition, became a critical necessity for the school, which caters to 1,800 students.

The successful campaign marks a significant community effort, especially following a substantial boost from a generous donation by Glastonbury Festivals. The fundraiser's success reflects the community's deep connection with the school and its commitment to supporting educational facilities, with local businesses including Wells Walking Tours, First 4 Repairs, Underwood Car & Commercial Ltd, Wells Reclamation, Gem Security Systems, Bijou Hair Salon, Tramways and Party Packs all among the local businesses chipping in to help.

The urgency to build the shelter stemmed from the need to accommodate students who were either being homeschooled or placed in the smaller Milton building on site. With the school's funds tied up in repairing the Kennion Building, the outdoor shelter project depended entirely on community fundraising.

Rachel Sherman, one of the organisers of the fundraiser, expressed her gratitude: "Mark Woodlock, the headteacher, staff, and students have endured so much since the onset of Covid and now with the structural challenges of their school. Achieving this fundraising goal is a testament to how much we support them and our children."

In a social media post, the school said: "We are truly humbled by the support of our local community, which will enable us to provide an outdoor shelter, giving much-needed additional social space for our students at this time of accommodation issues in the school."